DIY Home Adaptations for a Disabled Person

Coping with a disability is not always easy and the personâ€™s home will normally need to be adapted to make it easier for them to continue living independently at home, with or without family. Some adaptations, for example the installation of an elevator or chair lift from a reputable company such as home-elevator.net, are likely to be expensive, but there are also plenty of DIY home improvements you can do yourself for less money. Â Â Keep reading for some ideas.

Lower Kitchen Cabinets

When you spend all your time in a wheelchair, many things the rest of us take for granted are out of reach. Some things, like making a cup of coffee or preparing food, are very difficult when kitchen cupboards and countertops are just too high to use comfortably. Lowering kitchen cabinets to a more user-friendly height will make all the difference. This is something a DIY expert should be able to manage without too much difficulty, but make sure you take accurate measurements before you begin.

Raise Power Sockets

Electrical work should never be tackled without experience. However, if you do know the difference between â€œliveâ€ and â€œearthâ€, moving light switches and electrical outlets to a more convenient height in the home will make a huge difference. Other items that will also need to be moved include door handles, doorbells and security entry phones.

Install Grab Rails

Grab rails come in handy in all kinds if locations within the home. A grab rail next to the bed will assist a disabled person to get in and out of bed without help. Grab rails in the bathroom are an absolute must-have, especially around the bath, shower and toilet. These can be bought from all good DIY stores and installed quickly and easily.

Door Ramps

Door ramps are essential for wheelchair users. Purpose designed door ramps can be purchased from companies supplying accessories for disabled persons, but why not make your own made-to-measure ramps? All you need is some timber and non-slip rubber matting. Measure the height of the steps and construct a ramp accordingly.

Non-Slip Flooring

Bathrooms and kitchens will benefit from the installation of non-slip flooring. Bathrooms in particular get wet and wet floor represents a serious slip hazard. Wet rooms are ideal for disabled people because they enable them to take a shower and use the toilet in private, but the flooring does need to be suitable for wheelchair access. Look at non-slip tiles or heavy duty vinyl with a non-slip coating. Both are suitable for high humidity environments.

Buy Specialised Furniture

Specialised furniture such as a support chair and an adjustable bed will probably be necessary, but there are other items of furniture that may be useful, depending on the personâ€™s level of disability.

Before making adaptations to your home, it is worth consulting with an occupational therapist. They will be able to advise on which adaptations you should make and whether there is any funding available to help cover the cost.

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For 3 years Catherine has been sharing tips, tutorials and guides on things to make with her fair hands right here on yourstrulyhandmade.com. Please look through the archives or learn more by reading her story here.